10^ 



iii. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



PRESENTED BY 

UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



t 


HISTORY 


Y OF THE 


m\)[ vmmmknv. 


m CHORCH 


Greenwich, Conn, 


REV. FRANK S. CHILD, A. M. 

1 



AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 



DELIVERED IN THE 



First Congregational Cliurcli, 



GREENWICH, CONN. 



ON SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1879, 



BY THE PASTOR, 



REV. FRANK S^^^GHILD, A. M. 



OLD GREENWICH, CONN. 

1879. 



F 



r" 



This discourse was prepared axd published by request of the 

PEOPLE OF THE PARISH. It IS WISE FOR A CHURCH TO KNOW THE HISTORY 
OF ITS STRUGGLES AND EXPERIENCES. WiTH THE STRONG HOPE THAT GOOD 
MAY BE DONE, COURAGE RENEWED AND POWERS ENLISTED IN THE SERVICE 

OF THE Great Head of the Church, these words are put forth by 
THE Pastor of Greenwich First Church. 



DISCOURSE. 



"Be strong and of a good courage;" Joshua 1-6. 



Men are so susceptible that one word will often dishearten 
them ; and again, one word will often kindle a great, brave 
spirit. The same event recited by two observers will produce 
the most unlike results. We tinge the story with our own per- 
sonality If we are despondent, we impart the same sombre spirit 
to those who touch us. If we are rich in hope, we enrich 
others, and hopefulness marks the life about us. As one re- 
views the life of a church or a people, he finds much that may 
be interpreted to his help or hindrance. It rests with him 
whether lessons of sorrow and discoui-agement shall be taught, 
or whether lessons of joy and good cheer and bright promise. 
The ancient servants of Grod had a dark history to recall, con- 
sidered from one point of view. Disobediences, griefs, wander- 
ings, chastisements ! If Moses and Joshua and the later leaders 
had dwelt on these things and had never brightened the narra- 
tives with the memory of Grod's mercy and goodness and affec- 
tion and tender concern, the heart of Israel had sunk within 
them and they would never have deserted their Egyptian slav- 
ery or entered the Promised Land. But through all these 
dark seasons God speaks to his people as he does to Joshua in 
our text — "Be strong and of a good courage." In the hour of 
disappointment He allures by promises. In the day of defeat 
He emboldens by assurances. 

These words of the Great King to one of His generals, are 
inherited by us. Speaking to Joshua, the Divine Master speaks 
to His people of to-day: "Be strong and of a good courage," 



says the message. 'His Church stands as God's messenger and 
servant to the men about us — '' for unto this people shalt thou 
divide for an inheritance, tlie hmd which I sware unto tlieir 
fathers to give them ;" and tlie hand wliicli we, as a servant, as 
a Church of Grod, shall divide to the waiting people, is not a 
land like to the earthly Canaan which it fell to Joshua's lot to 
divide. Our's is an heavenly inheritance. We make out the 
title deed in a certain fashion here and possession is given here- 
after. But to do this work, some earnest requirements are 
made : " Only be thou strong and very couragCQUs, that thou 
mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses my 
servant commanded thee ; turn not from it to the right hand 
or the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest." 

Turning to the past, and scanning events which have cen- 
tered in our churcli during a period of more than two centuries, 
what do we learn? We read of struggle, labor, discourage- 
ment, trouble : but we also read of faith, devotion, growth and 
fruitfuluess.' 

The town of Greenwich was settled in 16-iO. Twenty-six 
years previous to this date, Block sailed up the East river, 
entered the sound, and had the honor of " discovering " what 
was then called by its Indian name Monakewego. In this 
year, 1640, Daniel Patrick and Robert Feakes landed on Green- 
wich Point {TrumhulVs Hist. Conn.), and bai'gained with the 
Indians for a large tract of land, acting as agents for the New 
Haven colony.'' Among the first comers were Jafl'ere Ferris,. 
Robert Husted and Angell Husted. After the town was set- 
tled the inhabitants revolted to the Dutch. Peter Stuyvesaut, 

^ In preparing this discourse, the pastor has been kindly aided by the libra 
rians of the Astor Library, the Union Theological Sem. Library, the Mer- 
chantile Library, and the Historical Society Library, New York. Mead's 
History of Greenwich has also been helpful. Some parts of our history are 
especially obscure, so that it has been a difficult matter to find any sure 
facts relating to the church at certain periods. 

^The deed of purchase was made July 18, 1640, and is preserved among 
the town records. 



the then Governor of New Netherlands, incorporated tliem in- 
to his territory ; but they returned in their allegiance to the 
Eastern colonies after a short period and remained true to the 
East. At the time that Greenwich was settled, Rev. John 
Warham had been preaching for ten years in the town of 
Windsor; but there were verj- few colonists in the land, so 
that we may rightfully claim to be among the first of the towns 
settled. In this year, 1640, Mr. Hopkins was Governor, and 
Mr. Haynes Deputy-Governor, The settlement in Greenwich 
.saw severe troubles. The Indians harrassed them.' Their 
propert}^ was stolen ; several lives were lost. The community 
became demoralized. The odor of a bad name went abroad. 
But meanwhile there was progress among the New England 
'Colonies.* In 1643, on May 19th, the colonies became confed- 
erated. Their aim was " to advance the kingdom of our Lord 
Jesus Christ and enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity and 
peace." At the date of the confederation there were fifteen 
•churches in the colony where ordained or mstalled clergymen 
ministered to the people ; and some of the churches supported 
two clergymen, a preacher and a pastor. There were in that year 
four other towns which were also taxed for preaching, namelj^ 
Stonington, Middletown, Greenwich and Rye. {Authority of 
Trumhull.) Preaching in these four towns was only occasional. 
An early historian says that the " general court would not suf- 
fer imj plantation to be made which would not support an able, 
■orthodox minister." The Connecticut colony numbered seven- 



' Among the places of peculiar interest to the people of this community is 
Labden's Rock. Tradition says that Cornelius Labden, a Dutchman, start- 
ing out from old Greenwich, was pursued by Indian warriors. Coming to a 
precipitous rock, Labden plunged down its steep side and his enemies fol- 
lowed him. His life alone was preserved ; but this was at the expense of his 
two legs, which were sadly broken by the fall. 

^ In 1643, the Common Laws were put upon record. They were twelve in 
number, and among them was the following: " If any man or woman be a 
witch, that is, hath or consulteth with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to 
death." Ex. xxii. 18; LeWt. xx. 23; and Deut. xviii. 10 and 11. 



6 

teen hundred families, or between eight and nine thousand 
souls ; (to-day we number over 500,000). There were twenty 
ministers. This would give a minister to eighty-five families. 
For more than thirty years Greenwich is supplied with occa- 
sional preaching. The "times" are so hard, the colonist's 
struggles are so severe that subscription or taxation cannot sup- 
23ort continuous ministrations. In 1660 the male inhabitants 
of the town numbered about twenty {vide Mead). All were 
obliged to contribute " pro rata " for the support of preaching, 
and attendance on divine service was enforced by law. Non- 
attendance meant a penalty of five shillings ; and the penalty 
was repeated at each disobedience. In 1670 there appears to 
have been some more distinct organization of the Church." Foar 
years previousl}^ the people had builded a school house ; and 
about this date they built their first church edifice. The church 
building stood not far from Greenwich Cove. In 1670, William 
Grimes, a batchelor recluse, leaves by will to his trustees, for 
the benefit of the Church, .some thirty acres of land." This be- 
quest, doubtless, encouraged the people, for, in 1675, thej^ voted 
to erect a parsonage house for the minister, and, in 1676, they 
called the Eev. Mr. Wizwell to this charge. Mr. Wizwell de- 
clined the call, and the church remained two years longer with- 

^ In the " Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Conn."' prei^ared 
by the General Association at its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, the 
date of the organization of Greenwich First Cliurch is given as 1670. 

^ William Grimes of Greenwich. His will : ' ' These t^tifie that I, William 
Grimes, of this towne of Greenwich, being of perfect memory and under- 
standing, but being sick in body, do give all my land to ye disposal of 
Joseph Mead, John Renolds, and Eliphalet Jones, to bee disposed of by 
them in such a waye as thaye shall judge meet for Inlarging of ye towne of 
greenwich by accommodating such inhabitant or inhabitants as shall bee 
admitted into ye towne in an orderly way, provided they be such men as the 
aforesed Mead, Renolds and Jones shall judge desirable for the promoting 
of church and commonwealth. This my Deade of gift shall stand good and 
flrme at ye time of my dessease. 

"Witness my hand, this 18 July 1670. WM. GRIMES." 

-Witnesses. I Ruth Ferris, j 
\ Debora Barlow. { 



out a pastor. The Eev. Jeremiah Peck was the first pastor of 
this Church.' He settted among the people of Greenwich in 
the year 1678. He came from Elizabeth town, N. J. His sal- 
ary was fixed at fifty pounds with firewood, or sixty pounds 
without firewood, and he chose the latter. One of the most in- 
fluential of Mr. Peck's parishioners was Lieut. Lockwood.* 
The first pastor of the church continued with the people of 
Greenwich eleven years.* In 1689 a discussion having arisen 
in the church with reference to the baptism of the children of 
parents who were not members of the Church, Mr. Peck, to 
avoid further discussion and trouble, resigned, accepted a call 
to Waterbury, Conn., and became the first stated suppl}^, and 
the first installed pastor of the Church in Waterbury. Mr. 
Peck was an earnest and efiicient minister. He died in 1699, 
seventy-seven years of age. Many of his descendants are re- 
spected members of this community. 

In 1691 this church called Eev. Abraham Pierson. The 
call was accepted, and Mr. Pierson came here as stated supply, 
serving the people faithfully for nearly four years.'" The new 
incumbent was graduated from Harvard College in 1688. He 
began his labors in New Jersey, from which State he was called 
to this church. Mr. Pierson was ordained 1687 ; and settled 
in Newark, N. J. In 1691, the year of Mr. Pierson's coming, 

'Mr. Peek was one of "The 27 Proprietors of 1672." This association 
purchased from the Indians that part of the town known as Horseneck. 
The purchasers were men of good character, and their many descendants 
speak good words for them to-day. 

*In 1687, Grershon Lockwood and Wm. Lockwood arranged for a bridge 
across the Myanos, agreeing to receive as payment for building "whatever 
the town should see fit to give after the work was done," a style of contract 
certainly not popular in these times. 

''In 1688 the legal voters numbered about fifty, among whom are the 
names Ferris, Lockwood, Hasted, Renolds, Palmer, Marshal, Peck. 

'" Trumbull states that Dr. Pierson was called from Newark, New Jersey, 
to Killingworth. He makes no record of the nearly four years' pastorate 
in Greenwich. This, of course, was an oversight on the part of Trutnliull, 
as the ecclesiastical authorities are clear upon this point. 



the plan for a new cliurcli building was agitated. The edifice 
was to be 32x26 feet, and fifteen feet as to height. The vital 
question at issue was the situation of the new building. Poli- 
tics ran high even in those days. There were rough words 
said. Bitter feelings were engendered. The people could 
reach no decision. The working, helping force of the society 
was crippled ; and Mr. Pierson became disheartened. Believ- 
ing that his work could not be blessed under these circum- 
stances, he accepted a call to Killingworth, in 1694, and this 
church lost one of its greatest names. Mr. Pierson took a keen 
interest in educational matters. He loved the study and he 
felt the importance of a higher scholarship for the people of 
the colony. Shortly after his removal from Greenwich, he 
threw his whole force of heart and mind into founding an edu- 
cational institution. Having gained the support and coopera- 
tion of two friends, a meeting was called and plans discussed." 
This resulted in the founding of Yale College. The college 
was incorporated October, 1701, and in November of that year 
Mr. Pierson was chosen its first rector or president. The col- 
lege was somewhat migratory in its character during the presi- 
dency of Dr. Pierson. We hear of it at Saybrooke, at New 
Haven, and at Killingworth. Its first commencement was at 
Saybrooke, September 18th, 1702. The students continued 
the most of the time at Killingworth with the president. The 
first commencement at New Haven was in 1717. Dr. Pierson 
wrought well for the college during his life ; but his service 
was brief. His death occurred in 1704, ten years after his de- 
parture from Greenwich, three years after the inauguration of 
his great educational scheme. Dr. Pierson was a man greatly 
beloved and universally esteemed for his accomplishments and 
abilities. 



"The two colleagues of Mr. Pierson were Samuel Andrew of Milforcl, and 
Noadiah Russel of Bradford. 



9 

The Eev. Salmon Treat was Dr. Pierson's successor. He 
came to Grreenwicli in 1695, and two years later accepted a call 
to Preston. Mr. Treat's salary was fifty-five pounds and fire- 
wood. This was increased to sixty pounds and firewood. 
Every third sal:)ljath he preached at Ilorseneck. (The matter 
is discussed in Mead's History of Greenwich, and in Dr. Lin- 
dey's Historical Sermon.) The angry discussions of the times 
wei-e not prolific of I'ich spiritual results. Mr. Treat probably 
was uuhapp}^ for this reason and did not choose to remain 
where trials, like the flocks of pigeons in those early days, ob- 
scured the light and almost overwhelmed the land. His death 
occurred in 1762. 

The Eev. Joseph Morgan became preacher to this peo})le in 
1697. He was a graduate of Yale College. His ministry in 
Greenwich covers a period of eleven years, the concluding 
years of which were devoted entirely to Horseneck. A new 
trouble arises in the question, who shall have the most of the 
minister. Old Greenwich or Horseneck ? Old Greenwich said, 
*' we must have him most ;" Horseneck said, " we must have 
him most." It appears tliat Mr. Morgan gave very little time 
to either, but devoted his time to grinding the farmer's grist. 
Mr. Morgan was not absorbed in his theological studies. The 
preacher turned miller with no great effort. The people, how- 
ever, were dissatisfied. They expressed their dissatisfaction in 
no doubtful way, so that Mr. Morgan, in 1708, resigned his 
charge of the church and devoted his whole time to tlie mill. 

In the year 1707, the community of old Greenwich petitioned 
the General Assembly at Hartford, that the church might be 
'' embodied in state ecclesiastical, with consent of neighboring 
churches as a necessary preparation, as we conceive, for the 
settlement of Nathaniel Bowers." Up to this period the church 
had been supported and managed by the town. It was a union 
of church and state in a measure. In the year 1666, however, 
an act had been passed to appoint a sjaiod or assembly to take 



10 

charge of ecclesiastical affairs." This church did not make 
use of it until the 3^ear 1707. Mr. Morgan in 1700 decided 
that his time, wliat little he did give to ministerial service, 
should be given to Horseneck. During the period after 1700 
Rev. Nathaniel Bowers supplied this pulpit. It is supposed 
that he was installed in 1707 or 1708. His name does not ap- 
pear after the year 1710. The two settlements came to an un- 
derstanding in respect to preaching in the year 1704 or 1705.'' 
They voluntarily divided, and articles of agreement were drawn 
up by them and signed. This division received the sanction 
of the General Court in June, 1713. 

After the dismission of Mr. Bowers the Rev. Mr. Jones sup- 
plies the Church for a season. In 1715 the Rev. Richard Sackett 
was the preacher. Mr. Sackett was a man of pleasing address 
and popular with the people. He graduated from Yale College 
1709. After preaching for Old Greenwich some two years, he 
accepted a call to New Greenwich and became their zealous 
minister for eleven years. His death occurred in 1727. 

During these years the number of clergymen was increasing. 
In 1713 we lind that Connecticut had one ordained minister 
for eighty families and for ever}^ four hundred souls. The 
moral tone of this part of the country was also becoming purer 
and stronger. Law and gospel joined hands. The legislature 
spake the sentiment of the clergy. "Like Moses and Aaron," 

'^In 1708, the Conn, legislature also enacted "That all ministers of the 
gospel that now are or shall hereafter be settled in this colony, during the 
continuance of their public service in the gospel ministry, shall have their 
estates lying in the same town where they dwell and all its folks belonging 
to their several families exempted ; and they are hereby exempted and freed 
from being entered in public lists and payments of rates."' {Vide TrumhuU 
and HoUister.) 

"The articles of agreement are signed {ride Town Record) by: 
Ebenezer Mead, .JoshuaKxap, Timothy King, of the West side of the 

Myanos. Samuel Peck, Johx Renolds, Robert Lockwood, of tlie East 

side of the Myanos. 

Witnesses: Jonathan Selleck, John Davenport, Samuel Hait, David 

Water BURY. 



11 

says the old record, " tliej walked together in the most endear- 
ed friendship." In 1707 the people were so wise as to elect a 
clergyman, the Rev. Gurden Saltonstall, to the governorship 
of the colony. But although the religious prospects were so 
bright through the land, there were dark days for many of the 
churches. 

The next pastor of this church was the Rev. Ephraim Bost- 
wick. He was installed by the Consociation'* 1730 (?) ; and 
dismissed in 17-16. A period when the church was without 
an installed pastor ensues. In 1763 the Consociation met and 
installed the Rev. Ebenezer Davenport. This pastor serv^ed 
the people for six years, when death released him from further 
toil in the vineyard. 

The Rev. Robert Morris was installed 1785.'" Nine years 
of devoted labor among the people of Greenwich mark his 
career. In the midst of his gTeat usefulness when the richness 
of maturity was his, he was summoned to his " exceeding 
great reward." The impression of his heart and mind remain- 
ed long with the people. After 1794 tlie pidpit was supplied 
by the Rev. Piatt Buifett and the Rev. Abner Benedict.'' The 
eighteenth centur}" closes during the ministration of Mr. Ben- 
edict. 

What were the influences of this church during this one 
hundred and thirty yeai's of its existence we cannot measure. 
We have no figures — all records were probably lost during the 

" The Fairfield Consociation was probably formed 1709. The association 
divided into two bodies, namely : The Fairfield East and the Fairfield West 
consociation in 1734. {Vide ^' Cong. Year Book") 

'^ Robert Morris was a bachelor. His mother lived with him in the par- 
sonage. Mrs. Morris was a very nei-vous body and she cared for her bach- 
elor son as though he were yet a child. One afternoon when she was out to 
tea, she suddenly recollected that Robert was left at home alone. Rising 
quickly from the chair she hysterically exclaimed '-There! I must go 
home. Robert will fall into the well." And the lady hurried to the house 
to find Robert still alive and comfortable. 

'" Mr. Buffet settled in Stanwich in 1796, and died in 1850. Mr. Benedict 
settled in Middlefield in 1771, and died 1818. 



12 

Eevolutionaiy struggle. Tradition tells proud stories of Green- 
wich's worth and loj^alty during the 3'ears of turmoil. It is 
said that her preachers taught wisely and lived bravely ; and 
that the people became so imbued with this stern, manly, val- 
iant sj^irit, that none did larger service for liberty of thought 
or 2:>urity of life. 

The new century begins with the Rev. Samuel Sturges as 
pastor. Mr. Sturges was licensed May 26tli. 1789. He re- 
mained with this people seven years ; and then he preached to 
the people of Bethel. Mr. Sturges was a farmer-minister. He 
loved his garden and his orchards. It was delight for him to 
discuss crops and prospects ; to test theories of agriculture and 
■devise ways of land improvement. He sacrificed himself so 
thoroughly to these pursuits that his time of study was quite 
limited and curtailed. Yet he had the regard of the parish 
and did true service to the souls of many men." 

The Rev. John Noyes was the successor of Mr. Sturges. Mr. 
JSToyes was licensed Octoljcr l-lth, 1783. He came among the 
people of Greenwich in the vear 1810",". Mr. Noyes owned 
a farm a few miles back in the country. It was his custom to 
pass four or five days on the farm with his familj^, and the re- 
maining days of the week he visited among the members of 
the church and society. Mr. Noyes was of a very social dis- 

"' At this period no prayer or conference meetings were held during week 
days. The iirst week day meetings were held in 1807. 

'** The old Society and church books are very meagre in their records, 
and those in possession of the church to-day date back less than a hundred 
years. The treasurer's books give us some definite information. From 
them we learn that the annual salary of committee men varied from fifty 
cents to one dollar and a half. In 1830 it was one dollar. The treasurer 
was more generously paid, receiving for his services the sum of two dollars. 
In those days it cost thirty-seven cents to sweep the church. 

'' Among the charges on the treasurer's book we find one which denotes 
the status of the temperance question at that date. At the Society's an- 
nual meeting, 18 — , the sum of fl.35 was expended on liquors with which 
to regale the company. 



13 

position. He was a better pastor than preacher. His labor 
was with men individually. He did not appear to j)os^ess the 
power to reach them from the pnlpit. But his record is good 
and we recall him with praise. He remained with the people 
until the year 1824. His death occurred in 1846. 

The Rev. Charles F. Butler was called to this church in 
1824. He was a graduate of Yale College. Before coming to 
this place he had gained a reputation for zeal and piety. La- 
boring in South Salem, N. Y., he had won many souls to Christ 
and built up tlie church in a most encouraging manner. Turn- 
ing their thoughts to him, the people of Greenwich were so 
favored as to engage him as their pastor. His ministering 
here extended over one decade. Those were fruitful years for 
this people. Then several times during his pastorate in Grreen- 
whicli the Spirit of God was poured upon the people and the 
church was blessed with many additions to its membership, 
with a higher type of piety, and with a larger spirit of work. 
Mr. Butler was afflicted with disease during these times of 
earnest toil, but he battled manfully till the last. His great 
strength was as a preacher. The words of truth which he so 
simply and eloquently spake to his listeners touched power- 
fully their hearts and incited many souls to nobler living.'^" In 
1834 his health obliged him to leave this place and he remov- 
ed to Central New York. He rested from his earthly labors 
in August, 1866, at the age of 76. 

After the resignation of Mr. Butler the Society took action 
with reference to the building of a new church. The second 
church edifice is supposed to have stood somewhere near the 



^^ Among Mr. Butler's many agreeable characteristics was that of speak- 
ing well of all, and ill of none. One of our most esteemed parishioners of 
to-day, recalls the time when Mr. Butler was present in a company where 
some one made an unpleasant remark respecting a member of the commun- 
ity. Mr. Butler whacked his cane with consideral)le vehemence on the floor 
and exclaimed "never say such things as that — never talk about your 
neighbors." 



14 

Mjanos. The third church edifice'' stood on the elevation of 
hind south of tlie present residence of Mr. Charles Husted, at 
the end of the street leading by Mrs. Burr Lockwood's house. 
We have no record as to the time when the second edifice, or 
third were erected. In 1835 a contract was made with Joshua 
Ferris to build the house in which we worship to-day. For 
more than two years, while the work of building was in hand, 
the church had no pastor. We read that in 1836 the Society 
voted that the committee " emploj^ a preacher so much of the 
time as they may deem expedient." But it proved an unfor- 
tunate polic}^, the church had a season of great trial. In 1836 
when the Bev. Thomas Payne began to preach in this place, 
there was not a male member in the church. Deaconesses dis- 
tributed the bread and the wine at communion service. It 
was the women of the church, working in their fervent, trust- 
ful, energetic spirit, that saved the inheritance for the faithful 
of to-day. In 1837 Mr. Payne was installed by the Fairfield 
West Consociation. After the new pastor began his work in this 
parish, he found that the work was all his — there was no one 
to aid him in public prayer and exhortation. He must bear 
the whole burden himself. Some one observed to him that he 
must go over to Horseneck and get the brethren to help us. 
He replied: " No, we will raise them up ourselves," and his 
words were prophetic. The church was graciously blessed by 
his ministrations ; and when, in 1842, he resigned his pastorate, 
he left the people in a strong, prosperous state, with great 
promise of future fruitfulness. The death of Mr. Payne oc- 
curred in 1853. 

♦— 

^' The third church edifice was builded by Congregationalists aided by the 
Episcopalian element of the town. In 1800 the Congregationalists held di- 
vine service in the church in the morning, and the Episcopalians at four 
o'clock in the afternoon. One of the ancient seats from this third edifice 
stands in the yard in front of the residence of John W. Hendric, Esq. 
The frame of the building was purchased by Capt. Chas. Hendrie, and may 
be seen at the present date in the barn of Mr. W. A. Cummings. 



15 

The Rev. S. B. S. Bissell began his ministiy with this people 
in September, 1842. Mr. Bissell was graduated from Yale 
College in the year 1830, and from Princeton Theological Sem- 
inary in 1884. He became General Agent for the American 
Tract Society, from which service he was called to this church. 
His ministry covers a period of eleven years. '^ Daiing the 
second year of his pastorate, the present parsonage was built at 
an expense of between $1,500 and $1,800. In the Winter of 
'43, Mr. Bissell rejoiced to see some forty converts as the fruit 
of his revival efforts. Numbei's were added to the church at 
different periods. (Mr. Bissell ordained Mr. S. Kimberly Ferris 
as deacon of the church, November 3d, 1850.) His devout and 
faithful ministry with this people closed in 1853, when he ac- 
cepted the Secretaryship of the American S. S. Union, in 
which position he serves to-da}^ 

The Rev. Wm. A. Hyde was called by this society in 1854, 
and ministered to the parish for one decade. He was a man of 
strong conWctions, bold in announcing his belief and alwavs 
ready to give force to his words by a steady support and a 
stern self-sacrifice. After the resignation of Mr. Hyde, the 
Eev. Wm. F. Arms supplied the church for nearly two j'ears. 
He was called to the West where he has since labored. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. R Hammond, who began his 
ministrations among the Grreenwich people in 1867. Mr. Ham- 
mond passed five years in this field. Tliey were years of hon- 
est endeavor and God gave the people his blessing. During 
his pastorate the church edifice was enlarged and thoroughly 
renovated. Prosperity shone upon the society. The pastor's 
soul was with his people. The work movetl on quietly but 
truly. In the midst of these good promises Mr. Hannnond 
felt obliged to relinquish his charge. The year of his removal 

"^^ During Mr. Bissell's pastorate quite large benevolent contributions were 
made, exceeding anything of the kind either before or since that time in 
the history of this church. The people began to raise funds for the par- 
sonage-house, October, 1843. 



16 

1872, was the same year that the Eev. J. S. Bayne, a graduate 
of Wilhams' College, entered upon his service of four years 
with the church. The labors of Mr. Bayne were very profita- 
ble to this people. He still holds the esteem and affection of 
his old parishioners. But his pastorate here was brief, for a 
larger field opened'to him and he accepted a call* to Portland, 
where he continues to-day, largely blessed in his labor. A 
few months after the removal of Mr. Bayne, Mr. Granville W. 
Nims, a graduate of Amherst College, and a student in Union 
Theological Seminary, N. Y., received an unanimous call to 
this church. Mr. Nims entered upon liis duties here in June, 
1876. In October, 1877, he was ordained, the Rev. C. R 
Treat preaching the ordination sermon. After a little more 
than two years of energetic service, Mr. Nims resigned this 
charge. It liad long been his idea to ccmtinue his studies in 
Europe. The opportunity occurred, and immediately after his 
resignation he sailed for the continent where he is engaged in 
literary pursuits at the present time. The successor of the 
Rev. Mr. Nims is the present incumbent who was ordained and 
and installed pastor of this church, February 27th, 1879.^* 

^^ The council convened for the ordaining and installing of the present 
pastor was composed of delegates and clergymen from the following 
churches: Bridgei^ort (2nd), Darien, Fairfield. Greenfield, Southport, North 
Greenwich, Norwalk, Georgetown, Stamford, Green Farm, Westport, Green- 
wich (2nd), Puritan Church, Brooklyn, (N. Y), Wilton. Xorth Stamford, 
Ridgefield, Broadway Tabernacle, New York, and others. A number of 
clergymen present not engaged in clerical duties were invited to sit in the 
council as corresponding members. The morning hours were given to the 
examination of the candidate. A bountiful collation was sei'ved by the ladies 
at half past twelve o'clock, to between one and two hundred guests. The 
afternoon services began at two o'clock. Prayer was offered by the Rev. 
W. P. Hammond, a former pastor of the church. Rev. B. F Bradford read 
from John's First Epistle, the first chapter ; and the Rev. Mr. Pike, of 
Stamford, lead the people in prayer. After Rev. Willard Scott read the 
hymn " All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." the congregation joined in 
earnest song. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Wm. J. Tucker, D.D., 
of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church, New York. 1st John ii chap. 
1st verse; " My little children these things write I unto you, that ye sin 
not." It was God's truth presented in a most eloqiient manner. At the 
conclusion of the sermon. Rev. F. M. Van Slyke, of Pilgrim Baptist Church, 



17 

your present pastor is the first one that has been installed over 
this chureh since the pastorate of the Rev. Thomas Payne, 
nearly forty years ago.'^* 

We have briefly recited a history of our pastors and of their 
labor, with this first Church of Greenwich.'" What says the 
voice of your historians as to the character of this people ? 
This community has been marked by a spirit of prudence. 
The matters of the church have been conducted on strict and 
honest business princijoles. No debts have cast their gloomy 
shadows over pastor and people so that hope and faith were 
shattered. The spirit of economy has been rigid, even too 



New York, read the hymn " How Firm a Foundation," which was sung by 
the congregation. The clergy were then invited to stand before the pulpit 
and share in the "laying on of hands." Rev. E, E. Rankin, D. D., the 
moderator of the council, offered the ordaining prayer. The right hand of 
fellowship was extended by the Rev. Charles A. Northrup, a classmate of 
the candidate. The installation followed. Rev. Charles R. Treat, of the 
2nd Church of Grrcenwich, gave the charge to the pastor. His words were 
strong and helpful. Rev. G. B. Willcox, D. D.. of Stamford, gave the 
charge to the people in his usual, practical, earnest way. The exercises 
closed with the benediction by the pastor. The day was one of worth and 
Joy to many people. The church was filled with an appreciative audience. 
Flowers in rich abundance gave perfume as well as beauty to the occasion. 
Many friends of the new pastor were present from ISTcw York and surround- 
ing towns. 

The clergy were represented by Metliodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Dutch 
Reformed and Congregational brethren. The new incumbent, Mr. Child, is 
a graduate of Whitestown Seminary, N. Y., class of '71; a graduate of 
Hamilton College, N. Y., class of '75 ; a graduate of Union Theological 
Seminary, New York, class of '78. He entered upon his laljors with the 
Greenwich people the third Sabbath of January, 1879. 

-^ January, 1878, the number of Congregatiomil churches in Connecticut, 
was two hundred and ninety-eight. There were one hundred and fifty- 
seven installed pastors, and one hundred and twenty acting pastors. In 
1864-5 there were one hundred and seventy-eight installed pastors, and 
fifty-five acting pastors. Installation appears to be not so popular as it was 
in the past. The acting pastor method has gained rapidly in favor. 

'•^ This Church united with the Second Church of Greenwich, First Church 
of Stamford, North Greenwich Church, Stanwich Church, North Stamford 
Church, Daricn Church, Long Ridge church, to form the Fairfield South 
West Conference. This Conference holds four meetings annually— one in 
June, in September, in November and in February. 
B 



18 

rigid at two or three crises. But the precept is ours, and the 
warnings of defeat or failure are to teach us wisdom in future 
years." 

The church has been marked l^y a spirit of independence. 
It is grand to see men self-reliant if they be also Grod-reliant. 
A church that is self-reliant and God reliant will be sure to 
stamp an enduring impression upon the souls that touch it in 
any manner. Had this same spirit been the pervading charac- 
teristic during the two centuries and more of its life, the church 
had presented a different front to-day. But even as it is, the 
people have inherited a way of independent thinking and in- 
dependent acting, which, when governed by right motives and 
wise principles, brings honor and glory to the Church of Christ. 

The people have sometimes fallen into error ; in their haste 
they have done what they condemn in sober, thoughtful hours ; 
prejudice has moved them as it moves us all more or less ; but 
a judicious care has turned this spirit of zeal to many good 
accounts. There came a time in the history of the church 
when it was necessary that funds be raised for a certain worthy 
purpose. It required self-sacrifice on the part of the peoj^le, 
but they met it. A worthy servant who, with her husband's 
generous aid had done great work f ( tr the people, took the mat- 
ter in hand. She and her husband had saved money which 
they designed to expend in some needed home improvement 
requiring a considerable expense. When the time of giving 
came, this woman of noble self-sacrifice (whose name was Mrs. 
Letitia Ferris), said the church shall not suffer; and she sanc- 
tioned her words by giving the saved dollars towards the ob- 
ject presented. Such zealous action has marked many mem- 
bers of this community, be it said to their praise, else the 
legacy of this church had not been ours to-day. 

^' The following bequests have been made to the Society: William 
Grimes, 30 acres of land ; Miss Eliza Lockwood, $500 ; Miss Deborah Selleck, 
$400. 



19 

United to the faults and virtues of this people, we find a 
large spirit of kindness. In many quiet ways their generous 
treatment of brother-laborers has been shown. We do not try 
to conceal the fact that unhappy events have occurred, that 
words have been spoken through these two centuries, that had 
better never have been sj^oken ; but in all the years this spirit 
of kindly interest and generous concern has been evinced in 
many ways, interpreting the worthier side of character. 

The growth of the church has been greatly retarded by its 
peculiar situation. The loss of the support that came from 
our friends west of the Myanos, had a large influence upon the 
society. The Second Church, when it branched off from the 
parent society, not only left us in a weakly condition, it 
was itself in a very feeble state. But to-day we rejoice in the 
fact that the daughter church is one of the strongest and most 
efficient churches in Coimecticut. Numbers of people who 
were residents of this parish are now helpers in the Second 
Church. Numbers of our people have also been drawn towards 
Stamford, and other places, and are to-day established in their 
second church home. This drain upon the First Church was 
a matter of course, and the people have uttered no words of 
opposition or complaint. 

The growth of the church has been retarded by the fact that 
no business center has been builded in the community, so that 
the spirit of enterprise has winged its way to New York. 
Life, prosperity, vigorous action, steady endeavor, are the 
forces that build churches as well as factories and warehouses 
and institutions. And when these forces are bestowed on our 
neighbors, we lose so much of power and promise ourselves. 
Concentration of strength, unity of action, diligence in effort 
will repair the loss and enrich us all. 

The struggles of this people have been many and severe. 
Times there were when it seemed that the church must fall. 
But " there is no difficulty to him who wills," as Kossuth says ; 



20 

and when this power of determination is wedded to a devout 
faith it saves churches as well as nations, and inspires men 
with a new, grand courage. When Epammondas, commander- 
in-chief of the Theban forces at the battle of Leuctra, gained a 
splendid»victory over the Spartans and he was congratulated 
b}^ his friends, he j-eplied: "I think only of the joy it will 
give my mother." When those faithful servants, some of 
whom we have named, strove nobly to sustain tlie cause of 
truth in this community, this was the spirit of their re])ly to 
all gratulation : " We think only of the joy it will give 
our God." But doubt, and uncertainty, and struggle are past; 
and we speak trustfull}^ when we say, as did the soldiers to 
their general when he bade them do their duty : " We stand 
firm ; so help us Grod !" We are looking towards the future. 
We read the prospects of fruitful labor. " Be strong and of 
good courage," says the Divine Voice. We recite our present 
condition ; unity of pur})ose ; freedom from debt burdens ; a 
revived faith ; strong, helpful support ; harmony, good- will ; a 
kindling zeal in the cause of Christ — this is our church to- 
day. What shall it be to-morrow ? What shall you be ? 
Shall we carve the word " success" by our future toil and tri- 
umph ? What shall be the meaning of your prosperitj^ in this 
higher living and holier service. ? Its meaning is this : The 
growth and enrichment of mind ; a purer, stronger and more 
sincere moral life ; a deeper, intenser, more fruitful spiritual ex- 
perience, and glory given to the name of our Lord and Master 
Jesus Christ. 

The work is left to your doing ; the cause has been given to 
your charge. ""^ "Be strong and of a good courage." Let us 

^^ In the early history of the church the people assembled for worship at 
eight o'clock in the morning. They brought their heaters and their lunches 
with them. The pulpit was high above the heads of the people. Contri- 
butions were made by the magistrate and principal men of the congregation 
passing to the deacon's seat, and depositing their gifts in the cash box. 
Seats were assigned by an oflftcer. Position and dignity in the community 
detei'mined the matter of precedence. 



21 

bend with earnestness to tlie service. Let ns put on the whole 
armor for tlie tight. Let ns brave all difficulty and harassment 
and trial. So shall the Divine spirit breathe joy and encour- 
agement, and peace into the soul, and we shall never know de- 
feat. When John Quicke, a fervent disciple of the faith, was 
arrested by an officer and threatened with imprisonment, he 
exclaimed : " I know not where you are sending me, but this 
am I sure of, my heart is as full of comfort as it can hold." 
God grant that this shall be our testimony and song as we 
unite in fashioning our personal worth and influence, and in 
building up this church to tlie })raise of Almighty God. 



First CongTegational Church of Greenwich. 

PASTOR, 

REV. FRANK S. CHILD. 

DEACONS, 

1st,. S. K. FERRIS, 
2xu\. 

COMMITTEE MEN, 

EDWARD SCHWERIN, E. B. LOCKWOOD. 

JOEL B. FORD. 

TREASURER, 

CHARLES HENDRIE. 



NATHANIEL B. FERRIS. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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